The Natural Style in Landscape Gardening 



is no such necessity. While there is no limit to the 

 number of plants which may reasonably be used in 

 a pure group, there should be no prejudice against 

 the mixed group. The mixed group has abundant 

 prototypes in nature. When properly composed it 

 is wholly agreeable to the eye. 



A few very simple rules may be given for making 

 up groups of this kind. The following suggestions 

 seem safe. 



1. Do not use too many species. Two or three 

 are usually more effective than more would be. 

 (The law of simplicity.) 



2. One species should dominate the group, the 

 others being obviously subordinate. (The law of 

 dominance. ) 



3. The species must harmonize, especially in 

 color, form and habit of growth. ( The law of har- 

 mony.) 



4. They must be socially compatible. (The law 

 of ecology.) 



5. They must all be adapted to the local condi- 

 tions of soil, drainage, light, etc. (The law of 

 adaptation.) 



